Karen and Cheryl work together in their shop selling vintage clothing and fabrics They take on an extra assistant, Rachel Grant, a graduate student at the local university Rachel's field of study is women's crafts and the superstitions connected with them When an antique bridal quilt comes into her hands, Rachel becomes convinced that her academic theory is valid, as she feels that her actions and thoughts are being affected by powers beyond her control The influence is supernatural but is not harmless white magic as previously thought